20 hour service

[mlpaskett]

I have about 13 hours on a new Volvo 5.0Gxi. We are heading out on a week long houseboating trip at Lake Powell where it is likely that we will put about 25 to 30 more hours on the engine. The question I have is...Would it be better to get the "break-in" oil out of the engine before this trip, or wait until after the trip when the engine could have more than 40 hours on it. The owner manual and dealer indicate that the service should be done at 20 hours. Should I go to a local lake and burn 7 more hours of fuel just so I can change the oil before the big trip?

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks--

 

[RL Gman]

Re: 20 hour service

Thats like asking how much insurance should I buy? A thread could go on for a 100 pages and never have a clear answer, as everyone will have there opinion...

So, for my opinion...its a brand new engine, with 13, I would change it now, and then change it again after the trip. Thats just how I am, especially with a brand new engine. But then again, I dont mind paying the extra money to ensure I treat the engine well during break-in.

My next option would be to take it out for another solid day, then do the service.

I personnally wouldnt wait though.

 

[fossill]

Re: 20 hour service

I think they quit making break in oil after the 60's. Usually the maintenance schedule says to change oil every 100hrs or annually. Changing oil after 13hrs is a waste of resources in my opinion. Modern engine oils are very robust and provide adequate performance for a long time.

 

[mlpaskett]

Re: 20 hour service

Thanks for the replies. By break-in oil, I mean the oil that is in the machine during the break-in runs. It IS different oil than that which will be used after break-in as it is regular petroleum oil unlike the straight synthetics that are recommended by Volvo after 20 hours of break-in. I too did not want the dirty "break-in" oil to remain in the engine longer than the initial 20 hours of operation. I figure Volvo recommends discarding that oil for some reason. I guess I was kinda wondering if putting in the synthetic oil before 20 hours of operation could also be harmful in some way. I will likely make it out one more time before the big trip but will likely not run for 7 more hours...Probably will change oil before trip because I don't want to perform that service DURING the vacation if I can avoid it.

 

[mkast]

Re: 20 hour service

I can hear a service writer stating,"You're not covered under warranty because you didn't have the oil changed after the recommended twenty hours."

 

[mkast]

Re: 20 hour service

I think they quit making break in oil after the 60's. Usually the maintenance schedule says to change oil every 100hrs or annually. Changing oil after 13hrs is a waste of resources in my opinion. Modern engine oils are very robust and provide adequate performance for a long time.

http://www.royalpurple.com/breakin-oil.html
One of many break-in oils on the market today.

 

[fossill]

Re: 20 hour service

Overpriced mineral oil

 

[z1nonlyone]

Re: 20 hour service

I have about 13 hours on a new Volvo 5.0Gxi. We are heading out on a week long houseboating trip at Lake Powell where it is likely that we will put about 25 to 30 more hours on the engine. The question I have is...Would it be better to get the "break-in" oil out of the engine before this trip, or wait until after the trip when the engine could have more than 40 hours on it. The owner manual and dealer indicate that the service should be done at 20 hours. Should I go to a local lake and burn 7 more hours of fuel just so I can change the oil before the big trip?

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks--

I would change it now. YOur new engine will be broken in at powell for sure!! thats great man, we have a share rental at powell in August and are still working on fixing our new to us boat.